Parental involvement in grade 4 mathematics homework and a family mathematics programme in the Western Cape

Abstract

Parents have the potential to promote learner success in school and mathematics through assistance with homework. However parental involvement with mathematics and their contribution toward success within the subject is an ongoing topic of debate, given the constraints, parents are confronted with in their daily lives. This study investigated how a family mathematics programme (FMP) can assist parent involvement with Grade 4 learners and their mathematics homework in the Western Cape and the quality of assistance being provided. This was a qualitative case study, involving convenience sampling of parents who completed pre- and post-workshop questionnaires, participated in a focus group interview, and produced workshop reflections based on the FMP. The data was analysed using pattern matching and linked to previous research outputs to determine results related to the research questions. Results indicated that the parents who took part in the study were involved with mathematics homework and could be quite resourceful in this regard. However, they were often unfamiliar with mathematical vocabulary and terminology, as well as the current teaching methods and strategies used to teach mathematics in primary school. Other challenges included parent motivation, attitude and beliefs, learner self-regulation, and communication between parent and learner, as well as parent and teacher. Furthermore, findings indicated that parents are unaware of what the curriculum expects from the learners when the curriculum is completed. A FMP was recommended as an intervention to help improve parental involvement with mathematics homework. Also recommended was a What’s App chat group devoted to parental involvement where challenges and success can be discussed. The results also showed the FMP helped to increase parental involvement and parent confidence when assisting with mathematics homework. However, parents need continual guidance on teaching methods and strategies to reinforce and strengthen what was taught in class at home, and to deepen the learners’ understanding of the mathematics content taught. In conclusion, parents need assistance from schools to improve and increase their involvement with mathematics homework and a FMP is a helpful way to encourage and improve their participation.